About Us
Catholic Classes is an exploration of our relationship with God, our language, and our community. It is meant to be a dialogue, not a lecture. It is focused in two areas of parish life –the Catechumenate and adult continuing education. It is produced by a team of lay people using scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Catholic liturgical prayer, music, references for in-depth reading, and questions for discussion. Though the sessions derive from one parish’s ministries (St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Holladay, Utah), everyone interested in Christianity, especially from a Catholic point of view, is a welcome, in fact, is a necessary participant if we are to live up to our moniker –catholic.We embrace the term “catholic†not only in the Aristotelian denotation meaning universal, but more importantly in the patristic connotation signifying an all-encompassing welcome. Literally all are welcome to listen responsively to these dialogues. Class refers first, to a set of dialogue participants; people who share this catholic attribute in common differentiating us from those who will not practice this quality. Second, it is a way to order the discussions. Third it is an occasion to meet for instruction from one another. Hopefully, these “classes†taken together create an experience of unequaled excellence.
What makes this a dialogue rather than a lecture is the resources provided and the technology with which it is available. A lecture leaves the listener to passive absorption. This dialogue seeks inspired conversation through comments and questions about any session for all to respond; further searching of the scripture and catechism references cited; commitment to the prayers proffered; and, a growing in-depth reading list (other titles always sought). Each of these aspects adding to the rhythm and rhyme of the Word in dialogue –a kind of dance.  The music here will get inside you and move you, deeper into the dance too.
Following Jesus’ way is to order one’s steps in a pattern of life. He is the Way, he leads the dance, and we follow. The Catechumenate and the continuing formation which adult faith thrives, form two vital steps to follow. First, the Catechumenate where conversion can happen; and second, parish adult continuing education where conversion is nourished challenged and matures. In both places we are invited to grow ever more into the image and likeness of Christ until God is all in all –an all-encompassing welcome. Catholic –this is our faith!
4 Responses to 'About Us'
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on December 26th, 2006 at 2:30 pm
I hoped to learn a lot from a podcast called Catholic Classes, but so far, I’ve been disappointed. When I listened to “Thank You – the Mass 4-A”, I had expected to hear the host EXPLAIN the mass. Okay, we understand that mass is a celebration; now teach us about it. Tell me why Catholics cross themselves, what does incense represent, what is communion, who should take communion, why do Catholics sprinkle themselves with water at the door, why do they kneel? I hope that these podcasts will be presented in a more productive fasion in the future. With the current format, one tends to feel like they are eavesdropping on someone else’s conversation…and they’re talking about a party in which I didn’t attend.
on December 27th, 2006 at 6:54 pm
Hi Kathy,
We really appreciate critical feedback such as yours, so thank you.
This podcast is the first series of podcasts and is targeted at people going through the catechumenate process. So, in fact, I can understand how you might feel like you are evesdropping. Many thousands of people go through the catechumenate process, its called RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults), and it is the needs of these people that we are addressing in this podcast series.
We have several more podcast formats planned, one of which, will be to cover more basic material. However, incense, holy water at the door, kneeling, and such do not make us Catholic nor do they define our relationship to God. It is our relationship with God and our communion with others that define us as Catholics so when we produce this basic series of podcasts you may not see so much the “mechanics” of being a Catholic, but rather the heart and mind of a Catholic. I hope you will come back to us and see if there is something for you or better yet, find a parish in your area and discuss such matters with the RCIA folks or a priest.
I hope you will write again and let us know what you find that addresses what you are looking forward to and thanks again for the courage to be critical.
on January 5th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
Dane,
In response to Cathy you state:
“However, incense, holy water at the door, kneeling, and such do not make us Catholic nor do they define our relationship to God.”
That is watered version of the Sacramentals. The truth about the Sacramentals is explained in the Catechism:
“1667 “Holy Mother Church has, moreover, instituted sacramentals. These are sacred signs which bear a resemblance to the sacraments. They signify effects, particularly of a spiritual nature, which are obtained through the intercession of the Church. By them men are disposed to receive the chief effect of the sacraments, and various occasions in life are rendered holy.”
…
1677 Sacramentals are sacred signs instituted by the Church. They prepare men to receive the fruit of the sacraments and sanctify different circumstances of life.
1678 Among the sacramentals blessings occupy an important place. They include both praise of God for his works and gifts, and the Church’s intercession for men that they may be able to use God’s gifts according to the spirit of the Gospel.
1679 In addition to the liturgy, Christian life is nourished by various forms of popular piety, rooted in the different cultures. While carefully clarifying them in the light of faith, the Church fosters the forms of popular piety that express an evangelical instinct and a human wisdom and that enrich Christian life.
So while it may be true that the Sacramentals do not “make” us Catholic, they in fact nourish our faith. They help us express our Catholic faith.
To Kathy, I highly recommend that you obtain a copy of “The Lamb’s Supper” by Dr. Scott Hahn. Also, you may want to visit Catholic Answers at http://www.catholic.com and join their forums as there are many individuals that can provide the answers you seek. Finally I also recommend EWTN as another awesome source for all things Catholic.
Peace.
on February 27th, 2008 at 4:29 am
Don’t know where to post a thank you. Your liturgy of the hours podcasts are wonderful! The website’s a little klunky. I’ve been reading the hours by myself for about 2 years. Now I feel like I’m not alone anymore. Thank you so much for the incredible productions. And the music. Beautiful.
There was a request for comments about the weekly format. I would say whatever works best for the producers. Do you read the hours all at once or do you say them day by day? If it doesn’t bother you to be a week ahead; cool.